Tennessee Enacts New Subscription Renewal Law

Tennessee state Rep. Bob Freeman introduced a new law aimed at increasing transparency in subscription services after experiencing unexpected charges on his cable and internet bills due to his daughter's unmonitored app subscriptions. The legislation, signed by Republican Gov. Bill Lee, mandates that companies provide clear notice to consumers about upcoming automatic renewals more than 60 days in advance, although it dropped a requirement for 'affirmative consent' after pushback from the industry. Similar laws have been enacted in about six other states this year, reflecting a growing trend to protect consumers from automatic subscription renewals that can lead to significant price increases. Freeman's personal encounters with subscription pitfalls prompted his advocacy for consumer protection, highlighting the need for clearer communication from service providers. Critics from the subscription industry argue that such regulations may confuse consumers rather than assist them.